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Jordan Raanan, ESPN writer
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants quarterback Tommy DeVito is “not 100%” to play on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys due to a forearm injury, according to coach Brian Daboll.
Daboll is “hopeful” DeVito will be ready to make his second start since replacing Daniel Jones. DeVito was projected as a limited participant in Tuesday’s practice as the Giants try to snap a six-game skid.
“The plan is to play,” DeVito said afterward. “Yeah, look how I feel [Wednesday]. “I hope to wake up feeling a little better after receiving more treatment.”
DeVito will start if he is healthy enough to play. Backup Drew Lock will get some reps in practice just in case.
The Giants (2-9) are operating on a short week with just four days between games. That gives DeVito, who took several big hits in Sunday’s 30-7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, limited time to prove he’s capable of playing.
“He did the tour,” Daboll said. “I wouldn’t say it’s timing or a lot of depth or speed, but he was throwing a route. He’ll prove it here.” [Tuesday] in practice on another tour, so I’m hopeful, but it’s not 100 percent.
DeVito was not on the projected injury report Monday.
“Just this morning, like today, he was out there with the sleeve and I said, ‘Are you okay?'” Daboll said. “He’s like, ‘Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’ll be fine. I’m a little sore.'”
But DeVito said after Tuesday’s walkthrough that he still wasn’t sure he could throw full speed. His body was still feeling the effects of four sacks and nine quarterback hits on Sunday.
“I think if it were a normal week, Tuesday is usually when things adjust to your body. When you get hit on Sunday, Monday usually hurts a little bit; Tuesday is usually the worst day,” DeVito said. “So having an extra, whatever it is, four or five days later usually helps. But obviously this week is a lot different, so I’m looking forward to playing again.” [Wednesday]”.
Surprisingly, DeVito was named the Giants’ starting quarterback last Monday in place of Jones after spending the first 10 games of the season as the third player. He completed 21 of 31 passes for 189 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions against the Bucs.
But the second-year undrafted free agent took big hits in the contest. He left the game on the final drive, before returning one play later. DeVito then took another big hit before time expired.
“He just got hit a little bit. I think he got winded back there,” Daboll said. “He took a couple of shots. So I hope he’s okay.”
The Giants clearly now have doubts about whether that’s the case. Daboll gives the starting quarterback all the first-team snaps in practice in a normal week.
Lock took some first-team snaps on Tuesday. It was different from a usual week.
“More than zero reps,” Lock said half-jokingly.
The Giants need to cover all their bases just in case.
“I’m going to give Drew some shots here and see,” Daboll said. “We’ll move forward and we have a lot of time dedicated to the tours, the things we’ve included. We just had one before. [Tuesday]so I’ll give Drew some of those.
“But if Tommy is good, then Tommy will be the one.”
Meanwhile, as the Giants prepare to face the Cowboys, they will be without outside linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with a toe injury he suffered Sunday against the Buccaneers.
Ojulari had six sacks despite just five starts this season as he prepares to become a free agent. His spot on the roster was filled by former Denver Broncos tight end Greg Dulcich, who was claimed off waivers on Wednesday.
